Southeast Minnesota Events: Root River Triathlon

*you have everything needed in your car to swim, bike, or run within 5 minutes’ notice.

*you failed high school chemistry, but you could teach a course on lactic acid.

*you have more miles on your bike than you do on your car.

*there’s a separate load of laundry every week that is just your workout clothes.

*you plan your vacations around where your next race will be.

Plan your next vacation around a visit to Bluff Country in Southeast Minnesota and sign up for the Root River Triathlon, a “do-able,” non-swimming triathlon sponsored by the Houston Lions Club. The first leg of the competition is by canoe or kayak, 6.8 miles downriver from Houston to Mound Prairie. Next, bike the 7.9 mile road ride back to Houston. Finish up with a 3 mile run route through Houston and on the paved Root River State Trail. The race finishes up at the band shell in Houston. An awards ceremony will take place a half hour after the last participant finishes, usually around noon. The first Root River Triathlon was held in 1998 by the City of Houston but is now sponsored by the Houston Lions Club. All proceeds benefit local and international Lions projects. For complete information or to register for the race, visit www.rootrivertriathlon.org.

Once the race is over, get that bike back on the Root River State Trail and bike the 31 miles to Lanesboro for a stay at Stone Mill Hotel & Suites. Don’t worry! We’ve got secure storage for your bike and/or kayak. Shower up or soak in one of our Jacuzzi tubs. Dine at one of our local restaurants. Take in a show at the Commonweal Theatre. (“Souvenir,” a hilarious musical comedy will be on the stage. It reminds us that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Sounds like that might appeal to triathletes!) Have a good night’s sleep in one of our 13 unique and comfortable rooms, and wake up to enjoy our expanded continental breakfast. Put on your triathlon t-shirt, we’ll take a picture, and you can become famous on our Facebook page!